Salim and Sulaiman Merchant, the Ismaili musical brother duo were born and brought up in Bhuj, Gujarat, India (2001 Earthquake affected this town of Kachchh District). They emerged as music director only after 2003, 6 years after their first music composition in a bollywood film. They received recognition with award winning performance in film named Bhoot, in which they gave background music of the movie which was very influential aspect of the movie. Their music in the award winning movie Iqbal which was written by Vipul K Rawal earned them rave accolades.1

They are Hindi music director duo and quality singers in India. Salim and Sulaiman have been composing music for over a decade having scored for movies such as Neal 'n' Nikki, Chak De India, Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi and Fashion. The duo has also composed for several Indi-pop performers including Viva, Asmaan, Shweta Shetty, Jasmine, and StyleBhai among others, composed and produced several TV commercials and collaborated with a artistes such as Ustad Zakir Hussain and Ustad Sultan Khan. They got their first break when Karan Johar asked them to compose the music for his movie, Kaal. After that, they have gone to do movies with well-known producers and directors like Yash Chopra, Subhash Ghai and Ram Gopal Varma. Before composing music, they were composing the background scores for movies. Salim Merchant is one of the three judges for the Fifth season of Indian Idol on Sony Entertainment Television (India), and he has also sung in many movies.1

2010 FIFA World Cup

The musical duo, who collaborated with South African singers Loyiso Bala and Eric Wainaina to record the anthem for 2010 FIFA World Cup.The anthem is the song "Africa - You're a Star".1

Awards

Filmfare Awards

2007: Won, Filmfare Best :) :)Background Score Award; Krrish

IIFA Awards

2005: Won, IIFA Best Background Score Award; Mujhse Shaadi Karogi

Star Screen Awards

2003: Won, Star Screen Award for Best Background Score; Bhoot

2004: Won, Star Screen Award for Best Background Score; Dhoom

Zee Cine Awards

2005: Won, Zee Cine Award for Best Background Score; Ab Tak Chappan

Daytime Emmy Awards

2009 - Nominated, Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Original Song In A Children's Series; The Wonder Pets